Access to Machupicchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes) takes place from Cusco via Ollantaytambo city. Therefore, participants should travel from their cities/countries, when this is the case, to the airport of Lima, Peru, and from there to Cusco city.
The official tourism company for the IWARA 2024 event is TRANSTREK, a travel and tourism agency based in the city of Cusco. The agency organizes tours to the most varied places, purchase of tickets for sites and museums, as well as reservation of travel tickets by vans, bus or trains. Contacts can be made through WhatsApp: +51 993 485 344. The agency's official page can be accessed through the link: https://transtrekperu.com/. Contacts can be made with Alex. Email: info@transtrekperu.com.
The trip to Machupicchu Pueblo is carried out by Inkarail, a Peruvian rail transport company, trhough bimodal service, as follows: travel by minivan from Cusco to Ollantaytambo* (duration: about 1.5-2.0 hours) and then travel by train from Ollantaytambo to Machupicchu Pueblo (duration: about 1.5-2.0 hours). TRANSTREK can organize this transport for the participants, on a scheduled date and under the responsibility of the participants. Participants may also enter in the Inka Rail website and buy their tickets fir traveling to Machupicchu Pueblo. As for tickets for the visit to the sacred city of Machupicchu, on September 04, 2024, TRANSTREK will organize their reservation and purchase, as well as the purchase of bus transportation from the city to the top of the archaeological site (duration about 20 minutes). The return to the city of Machupicchu Pueblo to Cusco, can also be organized by TRANSTREK. *Ollantaytambo is a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas,
It is important to point out that the reservation and purchase of tickets for the visit to the Archaeological Site of Machupicchu must be made well in advance, due to the huge demand for tickets as well as the limitations imposed on the number of daily visitors. Likewise, the reservation and purchase of train tickets to the city of Machupicchu Pueblo must be done well in advance.
Altitude. Cusco is 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level, while Machu Picchu is about 2,400 meters (7,900 feet). Altitude sickness generally starts affecting people at 8,000 feet.
Electricity in Peru. In Peru the power sockets are of type A and C. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Visa and vaccines. Consult the appropriate local agencies of your city, country or region if you have questions about the need for a visa and for some type of vaccine to enter Peru.
Currency in Peru. The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol. And as in most countries, Peru uses the system of one hundred cents for every Sol. In many establishments, the US dollar is accepted for commercial transactions, as in restaurants, coffee shops, etc., with exchange value according to the exchange value of the day (around 3.3 Soles for each US dollar).
Potable water. Water in Peru is of good quality, but as is the case in many Latin American countries, water purification may not be suitable for people from Europe or the USA. For this reason, it is recommended to take mineral water even for brushing the teeth.
Some tips when visiting Machu Picchu. Pack a sweater and/or rain jacket. The weather can change quickly. You can get your passport stamped at the tourist office once you arrive at Machu Picchu. Do not underestimate altitude sickness. Take it easy, do not overexert yourself. Follow the trails with care and follow the instructions of the local attendants. It would be advisable to eat a big breakfast or have lunch at the Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant at Sanctuary Lodge, in front of the main entrance of Machu Picchu. Lunch reservations can be made on-site before entering the archaeological site. The price of lunch is 45 USD. Those who so wish can return by bus to Aguas Calientes, the town of Machu Picchu, may have lunch there.
